Abstract

Extensive application of pesticides in agricultural and domestic zones has contributed to environmental contamination globally. With aquatic bodies being ultimate recipients of pesticide residues, the inhabiting fauna are known to be largely affected due to their proximity and inevitable exposure. The present investigation was aimed to examine the effect of sublethal (1.11 µg/L) concentration of cypermethrin on biochemical cluster of tadpoles of Duttaphrynus melanostictus. Significant changes were observed in total, soluble and structural protein fractions following cypermethrin exposure to subacute (1, 2, 4 and 6 days) durations in whole animal biochemical composition of Duttaphrynus melanostictus. Marked elevation in free amino acid level was observed at all the exposure tenures. Generation of reactive oxygen species with endpoint induction of oxidative stress were evidenced by decrease in activity of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and increased levels of hydrogen peroxide, reduced glutathione and malodialdehyde levels. The outcome clearly suggests the increased susceptibility of Duttaphrynus melanostictus tadpoles to sublethal concentrations of cypermethrin, thus implicating the toxicant to possess detrimental health effects on Duttaphrynus melanostictus species. The study may contribute in environmental monitoring and assessment of water bodies with possible cypermethrin contamination.

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